FOOTBALL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 365, 31 May 1911, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

The results of matches under the control of the I\ianiapoto Rugby Union played on Saturday last placed the various senior teams in the following position :■ ■--

(James Champ. Fid. W. L. D. Pts. Manganeehi 22 To Kuiti 2 Tanehopuwai 2 —-111 Otorohunga 1 —■ Dp aru re 1 —■ 1

TE KUITI v. TANEHOPUWAI

The above Clubs met on the Domain, To Kuiti, on Saturday. The match was played in pouring rain, and with the ground practically under water. Te is.liiti turned out three men short, players selected not turning up on account of the weather. Good football was quite out of the question, but the game was a willing one, nevertheless. Four twenty-minute. spells were played, and a, try was obtained by each side in the last speli. The game thus ended in a draw. Mr Cochrane acted as referee, and gave every satisfaction.

MANGAEPEIII v. OI'ARURE

This game was played at Mangapeehi, and the conditions as regards weather were decidedly unsatisfactory, and it speaks volumes for players who in their enthusiasm travelled great distances to participate. In the absence, of Mr J. Gilbert, Mr Thompson Hughes handled the whistle, and gave satisfaction to both sides. Mangapeehi kicked off, defending the eastern goal. For some time play hovered between mid-field and Oparure's 25. Mangapeehi forwards showed superiority over their opponents in scrum work. Passing rushes among the local backs were spoiled by mishandling the greasy ball. From a scrum in Oparure's territory, the ball came out to Briggs, who sent it on to Irvine, who ran to the full-back, and transferred to Darlington, who scored in the corner; unconverted, Shortly afterwards another passing rush in the back division saw Guthrie score near the posts, the kick at goal again failed, and Mangapeehi led with the score (i nil. The Oparure players now rallied, and from a well sustained forward rush, Ruru scored between the posts; Wehi converted with a good kick. The second spell was practically » repetition of the lirst — fast forward rushes, with now and then a good —considering the conditions—passing rush. From a scrum in Oparure's 25 the ball travelled towards their goal line, and II ay son, ■following up fast, picked tin the ball and dived over, scoring near the posts; no goal. The whistle sounded shortly afterwards, with the score: Mangapeehi !< Oparure 5. Our reporter being unacquainted with the names of the Oparure players, was unable to record individuals as deserving special mention. The whole team, however played good, honest game, and all strenuously endeavoured, to win. The Mangapeehi forwards were a hard working lot, special mention being due to McAicer, Koroheke and Ckarteris, The backs played well considering conditions, the best perhaps being Briggs, Guthrie and A. Clarke, Irvine and Johnson combined well as five-eighths. The. visitors were entertained to dinner and tea at Mrs Carr's boarding house, am! returned to Te Kuiti by the goods train. NEXT SATURDAY'S TEAMS. Teams for the contests on Saturday next have been selected as follows:Mangapeehi, to meet Otorohanga, at Mangapeehi. A. Clarke, Geo. Darlington, 11. Kingham, J. Guthrie, 11. Johnson. J. Irvine, J. Briggs, M. Charteris, W. Tomlinson, J. Koroheke, A. McAlecr, G. Bennett, Kobinga, B. W. liayson, B. Flavell, Timnio, A. Gocdall. J. Reid.